How to import Revit format BIM data with GISBox

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In the fields of smart cities, urban planning, and 3D mapping, the integration of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and GIS (Geographic Information System) is becoming increasingly important.

In particular, importing .rvt files created with Autodesk Revit, the mainstream BIM design software, into a GIS platform has become a challenge for many engineers.

In this article, we will introduce the specific steps to convert BIM data in Revit format into a format that can be used in GIS (3DTiles or OSGB) using GISBox, a free and high-performance 3D GIS tool.

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✅ 5 steps to import Revit BIM data with GISBox

🧩 Step 1: Prepare Revit file (.rvt)

First, complete the architectural model in Autodesk Revit and save it as a .rvt file.

Since GISBox cannot directly load .rvt, it is common to use the FBX format, which is lightweight and has high conversion efficiency from Revit.

🧩Step 2: Launch GISBox and create a new task

Launch GISBox and select the “Tile” module from the left menu.

Click the “New” button on the top right to start the BIM data conversion process.

🧩Step 3: Add FBX file

Click the “Add file” button and select the FBX file exported from Revit.

GISBox will automatically load the geometry and textures and display a preview on the right.

🧩Step 4: Set conversion parameters

Set the following main parameters according to your project:

Output format: 3DTiles (for Cesium) or OSGB (for Skyline)

Coordinate system: choose WGS84 (EPSG:4326) or any local coordinate system

Level settings: LOD (Level of Detail) can be set

Texturing: enable compression and auto mapping to optimize performance

🧩Step 5: Start and output the task

Click the “Create” button and GISBox will automatically slice the model, convert the coordinates, optimize the textures, etc.

When the conversion is complete, 3DTiles and OSGB format files will be output to the specified folder. These can be used directly in GIS platforms (e.g. Cesium, Skyline, SuperMap, etc.).

🚀Four benefits of using Revit data with GISBox

✔1. Highly functional tool that can be used for free
GISBox is completely free to use. You can convert 3D data like a professional without using expensive dedicated software.

✔2. Easy operation with no code
All operations are GUI-based, so even beginners can use it intuitively. No complicated scripts or settings are required.

✔3. Supports a variety of output formats
Formats such as FBX and IFC can be converted to GIS compatible formats such as 3DTiles, OSGB, and glTF.

✔4. Excellent compatibility with mainstream GIS platforms
The output files can be used directly in major GIS software such as CesiumJS, SuperMap iEarth, and ArcGIS Earth.

🧩 Summary

Importing Revit format BIM data into a GIS is no longer a complicated task.
With GISBox, you can smoothly convert .rvt files into 3D GIS-compatible data in just five steps.
GISBox is a very useful tool in a variety of situations, including smart city construction, 3D city visualization, and digital twin construction.